Tips for dealing with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?

So I'm wondering how many of you have had or currently have SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) and how you handle(d) it?

I have not been formally diagnosed with it, but I'm 1,000% sure I have it. My Dr's appt is tomorrow morning and I'm going to talk to him about it. But until then, I would appreciate any tips you might have!

I've talked to my Dr at previous appointments about "pelvic pain" but never went too in depth about it because I figured it was from being overweight, etc. My Dr pretty much wrote me off by saying it's because this is my 2nd pregnancy and that's typically what happens. Everything's stretched already, etc.

This past week in specific has been excrutiating. I'm still working full time, next Friday is my last day (yay!). I have an office/sit down job. However, every time I get up for something it hurts SUPER bad to walk. Then in the evenings after work I can barely move. The only time it doesn't hurt is if I'm sitting still on my couch. But laying down, turning over in bed, walking, doing ANYTHING else hurts. Last night I was walking to the bathroom and literally felt like my crotch went out and I almost fell! Kinda like if your knee goes out or something. And twice now it's almost felt as if I've popped something in and out of place.

Suggestions??

So I'm wondering how many of you have had or currently have SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) and how you handle(d) it?

I have not been formally diagnosed with it, but I'm 1,000% sure I have it. My Dr's appt is tomorrow morning and I'm going to talk to him about it. But until then, I would appreciate any tips you might have!

I've talked to my Dr at previous appointments about "pelvic pain" but never went too in depth about it because I figured it was from being overweight, etc. My Dr pretty much wrote me off by saying it's because this is my 2nd pregnancy and that's typically what happens. Everything's stretched already, etc.

This past week in specific has been excrutiating. I'm still working full time, next Friday is my last day (yay!). I have an office/sit down job. However, every time I get up for something it hurts SUPER bad to walk. Then in the evenings after work I can barely move. The only time it doesn't hurt is if I'm sitting still on my couch. But laying down, turning over in bed, walking, doing ANYTHING else hurts. Last night I was walking to the bathroom and literally felt like my crotch went out and I almost fell! Kinda like if your knee goes out or something. And twice now it's almost felt as if I've popped something in and out of place.

I have no advice, but i completely understand what's going on! I've had the same thing going on since 28 weeks and I'm miserable!!! If I do NOTHING during the day, it isn't bad, but if i'm busy (hello, i have 2 other kids!!), running around, doing things, when I do stop and rest...OMG...*cry* if I push on the bone, it doesn't hurt, but i can't exactly walk around holding my crotch area!! LOL!

We're almost to the end!!!!

I have no advice, but i completely understand what's going on! I've had the same thing going on since 28 weeks and I'm miserable!!! If I do NOTHING during the day, it isn't bad, but if i'm busy (hello, i have 2 other kids!!), running around, doing things, when I do stop and rest...OMG...*cry* if I push on the bone, it doesn't hurt, but i can't exactly walk around holding my crotch area!! LOL!

I've had SPD since 20wks and been signed off work since then! (now 38wks) I see a physio and a chiropracter which helps tonnes! I'd also suggest using a hot water bottle/ice pack for about 10mins each daily. When at your desk keep your feet elevated. If it's really bad you can actually buy SPD belts but they only work when standing and moving about!
Hope some of that helps x

I've had SPD since 20wks and been signed off work since then! (now 38wks) I see a physio and a chiropracter which helps tonnes! I'd also suggest using a hot water bottle/ice pack for about 10mins each daily. When at your desk keep your feet elevated. If it's really bad you can actually buy SPD belts but they only work when standing and moving about!
Hope some of that helps x

My doctor thinks I might have a mild case of this. (Believe me it doesn't feel mild!) She pushed on my pubic bone in front and asked if it hurt. It felt bruised, etc. but she said usually when people have SPD they jump out of their seats when they do that. She then said it could be because baby is so low. But when I told her that my pubic bone literally pops - as in it sometimes feels like it is rubbing and popping and at other times it actually pops like you pop your knuckles. It's gross but it's relieving for a minute.

ANYWAY, all that to say I totally know how you're feeling. The best thing for me has been to just sit down. But then often after I've been sitting a while when I get up it feels even worse! Gah!

The only thing my OB recommended was a support belt. I saw some of the other ladies on here talking about how it didn't work for them though. I guess it's worth a try. I haven't bought one because I feel too close to the end to be buying it and then if it doesn't work I'll be upset that I spent the money.

So, I don't really have any advice just sympathy!! Sorry!

My doctor thinks I might have a mild case of this. (Believe me it doesn't feel mild!) She pushed on my pubic bone in front and asked if it hurt. It felt bruised, etc. but she said usually when people have SPD they jump out of their seats when they do that. She then said it could be because baby is so low. But when I told her that my pubic bone literally pops - as in it sometimes feels like it is rubbing and popping and at other times it actually pops like you pop your knuckles. It's gross but it's relieving for a minute.

ANYWAY, all that to say I totally know how you're feeling. The best thing for me has been to just sit down. But then often after I've been sitting a while when I get up it feels even worse! Gah!

The only thing my OB recommended was a support belt. I saw some of the other ladies on here talking about how it didn't work for them though. I guess it's worth a try. I haven't bought one because I feel too close to the end to be buying it and then if it doesn't work I'll be upset that I spent the money.

Hello. I never heard of this condition but I swear I have it too. Oh my goodness, the pain is excruciating. I am so with you on that! I am now going to look it up and learn what exactly it is. I am in so much pain now and was even worse yesterday. Thanks for bringing this up and I hope you feel better soon.

Good luck.

Trudie...

Hello. I never heard of this condition but I swear I have it too. Oh my goodness, the pain is excruciating. I am so with you on that! I am now going to look it up and learn what exactly it is. I am in so much pain now and was even worse yesterday. Thanks for bringing this up and I hope you feel better soon.

I had this problem with my first son and it started even earlier this time around - probably around 20-24 weeks. It's excrutiating and so frustrating especially since we're encouraged to stay active during pregnancy!

I bought one of those support belts and I'd say that it helped a bit. And a heating pad also helped some. But what helped the most (by far!) has been sleeping in a recliner instead of in the bed. I'd say it took a few nights of sleeping in the recliner until I noticed a real change in my day-to-day function, but now that I've done it for about a month I'm actually feeling better than I have in a long time. I'm now at 37 weeks and carrying around a big baby and am actually considering going for a (slow) walk this evening with my family!!!

It still bothers me occassionally, like if I trip on something and my leg moves the wrong way or if I decide to be crazy and put my pants on while standing up :-D But I would strongly suggest moving to a recliner if you have one.

I had this problem with my first son and it started even earlier this time around - probably around 20-24 weeks. It's excrutiating and so frustrating especially since we're encouraged to stay active during pregnancy!

I bought one of those support belts and I'd say that it helped a bit. And a heating pad also helped some. But what helped the most (by far!) has been sleeping in a recliner instead of in the bed. I'd say it took a few nights of sleeping in the recliner until I noticed a real change in my day-to-day function, but now that I've done it for about a month I'm actually feeling better than I have in a long time. I'm now at 37 weeks and carrying around a big baby and am actually considering going for a (slow) walk this evening with my family!!!

It still bothers me occassionally, like if I trip on something and my leg moves the wrong way or if I decide to be crazy and put my pants on while standing up :-D But I would strongly suggest moving to a recliner if you have one.

I have been diagnosed with it and had been going to physical therapy. I didn't hold out much hope at first that it would actually help but it really did improve ALOT! I went from not being able to walk/stand, lift my foot off the floor or dress myself to having a huge increase in mobility and decrease in pain.

I have been diagnosed with it and had been going to physical therapy. I didn't hold out much hope at first that it would actually help but it really did improve ALOT! I went from not being able to walk/stand, lift my foot off the floor or dress myself to having a huge increase in mobility and decrease in pain.

I have this too (turning over in bed is the worst cause the bones pop). I've been told chiropractor can help, massage, and keeping knees 2gether when rolling over or other activity ( my hubbie and I got a kick outta that one :-) . Then the typical "suck it up" advice that makes one feel like a whiney baby -I think OBs specialize in this kind of advice!!

I have this too (turning over in bed is the worst cause the bones pop). I've been told chiropractor can help, massage, and keeping knees 2gether when rolling over or other activity ( my hubbie and I got a kick outta that one :-) . Then the typical "suck it up" advice that makes one feel like a whiney baby -I think OBs specialize in this kind of advice!!

My dr suggested physical therapy for my sciatic pain and I told him no way. For 2 reasons actually.

1st-my insurance won't cover any more during this plan year. I used up all that we're allowed per year because of my back issues pre-pregnancy

2nd-I'm just WAYYY too exhausted to work full time and go to physical therapy after work. That's what I used to and by the time I got home it wasn't until 7 pm, then cooked & ate dinner and basically went to bed after!

Thank you for the suggestion though! I'm glad it is helping you. I do miss the massages and electrodes/heat therapy I used to get at physical therapy!!! :)

My dr suggested physical therapy for my sciatic pain and I told him no way. For 2 reasons actually.

1st-my insurance won't cover any more during this plan year. I used up all that we're allowed per year because of my back issues pre-pregnancy

2nd-I'm just WAYYY too exhausted to work full time and go to physical therapy after work. That's what I used to and by the time I got home it wasn't until 7 pm, then cooked & ate dinner and basically went to bed after!

Thank you for the suggestion though! I'm glad it is helping you. I do miss the massages and electrodes/heat therapy I used to get at physical therapy!!! :)

I was diagnosed with SPD in my second trimester. My doctor sent me to physical therapy. I've posted some exercises that I was given to do in another post on this same subject in another discussion thread. But your most basic exercise is to do your kegals.

Definitely talk to your doctor about it because there are postions they'll want to avoid during labor to help prevent aggravating it further, causing you issues after delivery.

All the best!

I was diagnosed with SPD in my second trimester. My doctor sent me to physical therapy. I've posted some exercises that I was given to do in another post on this same subject in another discussion thread. But your most basic exercise is to do your kegals.

Definitely talk to your doctor about it because there are postions they'll want to avoid during labor to help prevent aggravating it further, causing you issues after delivery.

Well, I talked to my dr this morning and when I said "SPD" he gave me a weird look so I said "Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction" and he laughed at me!!! I was kind of irritated because DH was in the room and it made me feel like he (DH) waould look at me like I don't know what I'm talking about or am a hypochondriac or something!

Anyways, he said what it's called is actually "Diastasis Symphysis Pubis." WHATEVER! He proceeded to explain that the pubic bones are being pulled apart and are rubbing together, blah blah. I asked what I should do, he just said take extra strength Tylenol. WHATEVER AGAIN!!

So while I don't feel any better after that appointment, I'm glad he explained it all because now DH is looking at me like I'm crippled and is all worried. LOL. That sounds bad, but I'm happy he heard what's going on from the dr's mouth and not mine so he knows I REALLY AM in a lot of pain and not just being a baby.

Well, I talked to my dr this morning and when I said "SPD" he gave me a weird look so I said "Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction" and he laughed at me!!! I was kind of irritated because DH was in the room and it made me feel like he (DH) waould look at me like I don't know what I'm talking about or am a hypochondriac or something!

Anyways, he said what it's called is actually "Diastasis Symphysis Pubis." WHATEVER! He proceeded to explain that the pubic bones are being pulled apart and are rubbing together, blah blah. I asked what I should do, he just said take extra strength Tylenol. WHATEVER AGAIN!!

So while I don't feel any better after that appointment, I'm glad he explained it all because now DH is looking at me like I'm crippled and is all worried. LOL. That sounds bad, but I'm happy he heard what's going on from the dr's mouth and not mine so he knows I REALLY AM in a lot of pain and not just being a baby.

This is number #2 for me and I've been in pain since January. I've tried belly bands, yoga, water exercise, accupuncture, chiropractor, heat and cold therapy, and pain pills. Nothing has provided any real relief.

With #1 I felt better the evening after delivery. I can't wait to have this baby and start moving again!

Same as my tip for losing the pregnancy weight - "Have the baby!"

This is number #2 for me and I've been in pain since January. I've tried belly bands, yoga, water exercise, accupuncture, chiropractor, heat and cold therapy, and pain pills. Nothing has provided any real relief.

With #1 I felt better the evening after delivery. I can't wait to have this baby and start moving again!

I have had the same problem, since maybe mid pregnancy is has been EXCRUCIATING. I have had pain in every situation you mention, and while it seemed to get a little better between 2nd and 3rd trimester, now that baby is lower it is at it's worst. I woke up at about 3 am to pee this morning and I about screamed and my boyfriend has heard me whimper in my sleep!!! My doctor and also a nurse have both basically shrugged me off and I have never been diagnosed with this, and I am not the type to bring something like this up because I feel like I am being too whiney. At least we are near the end!

My only advice is lots of pillows at night. Sorry can't be more help.. also heard of pelvic girdles but I never got around to getting one.

I have had the same problem, since maybe mid pregnancy is has been EXCRUCIATING. I have had pain in every situation you mention, and while it seemed to get a little better between 2nd and 3rd trimester, now that baby is lower it is at it's worst. I woke up at about 3 am to pee this morning and I about screamed and my boyfriend has heard me whimper in my sleep!!! My doctor and also a nurse have both basically shrugged me off and I have never been diagnosed with this, and I am not the type to bring something like this up because I feel like I am being too whiney. At least we are near the end!

My only advice is lots of pillows at night. Sorry can't be more help.. also heard of pelvic girdles but I never got around to getting one.

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